Anne Neilson's Angel Series exhibit

Charlotte Artist Anne Neilson began painting a series of oil paintings featuring angels several years ago, but after reading Ron Hall and Denver Moore’s “Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman who Bound Them Together,” her work has a new inspiration. 

After reading the memoir of the pair she was moved to paint an angel for them, develop a relationship with the authors, and figure out how she could use her art to serve the homeless in her community. 

She will exhibit her Angel Series at a special art show at Sophia’s Gallery in Dilworth on May 16 from 6-9 pm and will donate a portion of proceeds to Charlotte’s Urban Ministry Center.

Neilson previously owned a successful pottery business but has been focused on oil painting since 2003. Her most recent works include the colorful, impressionistic angels she will exhibit at the May 16 “Angels In Our Midst” show, as well as landscape scenes from her travels.

Her Angel Series has been popular with collectors and won Neilson critical acclaim, including the Charlotte Symphony’s 75th Anniversary Spirit of the Symphony Award in 2007.  Her work is represented locally by Sophia’s Gallery, 1528 East Boulevard, and is also exhibited at 3 French Hens in Charlotte and in galleries in Winston-Salem, Charleston, Atlanta, and Jacksonville, Florida.